Tead Off wrote: Those are tiny, Chip. I think even the traditionalists use 30ml minimum. Seems a bit impractical for my tastes.

Yes they are the smallest cups I have, but I do have a set of Gong Fu cups that are pretty small as well. I am glad that I have them however. If they are not in keeping with your practical tastes, then do not get them ... simple enough. Within the context of this set, they are in keeping with Deishi's vision, his tastes.

Tead Off wrote: Those are tiny, Chip. I think even the traditionalists use 30ml minimum. Seems a bit impractical for my tastes.

Yes they are the smallest cups I have, but I do have a set of Gong Fu cups that are pretty small as well. I am glad that I have them however. If they are not in keeping with your practical tastes, then do not get them ... simple enough. Within the context of this set, they are in keeping with Deishi's vision, his tastes.

Traditionalists?

Yuuki-Cha recommends 60ml. Hojo-40ml

Not saying those are hard and fast rules, just guidelines. I could see 15ml and several drinkers sharing a small pot.

Chip wrote:60 is big for gyokuro, especially the really good stuff IMHO.

15 is particularly good for a super premium grade ... but not every time. I typically will use something a bigger for lesser grades. I think this set was designed with a super premium grade in mind.

I was a bit confused by your use of the term traditionalists since Deishi is a very highly regarded artisan of teaware in Hagi, and a traditionalist in his own right.

LOL, ask 10 vendors the same question, and you will get 10 different answers.

There is also something called "drop tea," so named because so much Gyokuro leaf is used and so little water, the "precious dew" comes out in drops. These cups would be great for that.

drop tea sounds like it should be taken intravenously.

I have a set of 6 eggshell Chinese porcelain cups that are quite elegant but not very easy to handle. Because they are small, and, because tea is usually not filled to the brim of these cups, you get maybe a bit more than 10ml. I am usually panting for the next cup as it really only whets my lips. But, hey, whatever one feels comfortable with is alright.

Within tradition, there are always variables. I was just referring to how most drinkers take their gyokuro from what I've read. For that special, special tea ($$$$$), I can see savoring a few drops now and again.